I get asked all the time how I support myself and my family during cold and flu symptoms. Here are the items that I keep stocked in my cabinet throughout the season. Check back often as I will add to this list as I find new tools. You can also order some of these and other favorites directly through my Fullscript dispensary.
Please keep in mind: The information presented is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The content is intended to be helpful and informative, but it isn't intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease, nor is it medical advice. One should consult a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary and/or lifestyle changes.
Propolis Throat Spray – Propolis is a substance bees make by collecting plant and tree resins. It is used to line the hive walls, where it functions as the immune system of the hive by protecting everyone inside from outside germs. It contains over 300 powerful natural compounds renowned for helping to support immunity and wellness. Take it daily as a preventative measure throughout the season, and take it throughout the day at the onset and during a cold or flu. I carry this spray in my purse and take it as needed when I am exposed to a lot of people and germs. It’s great for kids and to take when you travel!
Beekeeper’s Naturals Superfood Honey - I add this to tea, coffee drinks, smoothies, and slather it on my toast during this season and add in more when we’re sick. it is delicious and contains honey, propolis, bee pollen, and royal jelly.
Life Extension Zinc Lozenges – Take at the very first sign of a cold! They are the ONLY lozenges in the market that use zinc acetate — by far and away the best form based both on basic science, patient data, and clinical trials. It is also great to eat zinc-rich foods like oysters, grass-fed red meat (like lamb and beef), pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, lentils, chickpeas, and almonds.
Elderberry Syrup – Elderberry syrup has powerful antibacterial and anti-infectious qualities and is very commonly used to ward off colds and flu. Take it daily throughout cold and flu season, but stop taking it at the onset of getting sick. Make your own to save money. The one linked is my favorite.
Oregano Oil Tablets – Suck on a tablet for as long as you can handle (they can be intense!) at the onset of sickness and suck on them throughout. Especially good for sore throats!
Vitamin C – Take extra vitamin C at the onset and throughout.
Cod Liver Oil - like regular fish oil, cod liver oil is high in omega-3 fats, but it also contains vitamins A and D all of which are immune-supportive. It is nice to get all of these vitamins in one source. It often comes in a liquid, but it is definitely hard to stomach the taste. For kiddos, I’ll hide the liquid in a small amount of juice, yogurt, or apple sauce. I prefer to take capsules. I have a great option in my Fullscript dispensary.
Oscillococcinum - This is always my first go-to when chills and body aches start and I take it 3 times a day until my symptoms subside. This homeopathic has been shown in clinical studies to help reduce both the duration and severity of flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, headache, fever, chills, and fatigue. I love it because it is safe for littles too (age 2 and up)! You can find this one at most drugstores and in my online Fullscript dispensary.
Umcka Cold Care – drink up to 2- 3 times per day at onset and throughout the time you have the cold
Tea – Traditional Medicinals Cold Care, Throat Coat, Elderberry, and Breathe Easy are my favorites. I will add a spoonful of superfood honey to my herbal teas when I am sick.
Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders is rich in Beta-D Glucans which boost the immune system, helping to support your body’s ability to fight illness. This one contains a blend of Reishi, Shitake, Maitake, Chaga, and Turkey Tail mushrooms. Cordyceps is a great option too. They have powder and capsule options available. Use this link for a discount at checkout.
Bone Broth – Make your own or find a high-quality brand at the grocery store. Bone broth has multiple nutritional benefits and has been used by many cultures around the world to treat flu, colds, coughs, and sinus issues for hundreds of years. Drink a cup a day as a preventative measure, more when you are sick.
Essential Oils – Doterra Onguard, Doterra Breathe, or their equivalents in other brands are my favorites for immunity and sickness. Citrus oils and conifers (like Douglas Fir or Eucalyptus) are great cleansing oils and will kill germs and help you to breathe. Diffuse in your home or apply topically with a carrier oil. I personally don’t recommend taking essential oils internally but they work well topically or in the diffuser.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872021/
https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/chaga-mushroom-the-immune-boosting-superfood/
https://empoweredsustenance.com/ingesting-essential-oils/
https://beekeepersnaturals.com/pages/benefits